Ben Nevis © Helen Rawling
Today is International Mountain Day, a chance to highlight the crucial role mountains play in our ecosystem and their vulnerability to climate change.
Mountains matter for a variety of reasons. They provide between 60-80% of the world’s fresh water, support approximately 25% of terrestrial biodiversity and attract almost 20% of global tourism.
To celebrate the natural world’s high points, we have put together a selection of Discovering Britain’s favourite mountain walks, trails and viewpoints, for you to discover why our mountains matter even in the UK.
Ben Nevis viewpoint
At 1,345 metres tall Ben Nevis is Britain’s highest mountain. But this lofty giant was once one of the lower points of the surrounding mountain range. Discover why from this loch-shore viewpoint, with a clear view of the snow-dusted shoulders of Ben Nevis.
Find out more.
Glen Roy © Helen Rawling
Glen Roy trail
This short walk in Glen Roy reveals a curious feature: three parallel steps in the rock face almost wide enough to park a car on. Explore how these ‘roads’ came to be here and why they led Charles Darwin into a ‘gigantic blunder’.
Find out more.
Coniston trail
Although one of the smaller Cumbrian Fells, the Old Man of Coniston hides an array of stories and vast geological change. This short walk takes you through over 450 million years of geological history.
Find out more.
Great Dun Fell © Lucy Veale
Great Dun Fell walk
For more of a challenge, this 10-mile walk takes in the spectacular scenery of the North Pennines. Tracing the work of geographer and meteorologist Gordon Manley, the route follows the Pennine Way to the summit of the second-highest hill in this mountain range, to explore the causes behind some of Britain’s most extreme weather.
Find out more.
Mournes walk
This fascinating walk takes in the beautiful landscapes around the Mourne Mountains, including a forest, moorland and river glen. Besides spectacular views across the Northern Irish coastline this walk considers how we balance conservation with public access.
Find out more.
The Wrekin walk
A ‘little mountain’ in Shropshire is home to the most diverse geology on Earth. This walk across the Wrekin allows you to journey through millions of years, following in the footsteps of Bronze Age people to discover how old rocks built a new town.
Find out more.
Share your reasons why #MountainsMatter on International Mountain Day.
For even more walks, trails and viewpoints, visit the Discovering Britain website.